Iron and weapons industryDuring the 17th century, iron became one of the most important Swedish export products. A rich presence of iron ore, in combination with waste woods that supplied the blast furnaces with firewood and streams providing waterpower to the ironwork's forges, made an extensive production possible. Another fact that made increased production possible was the Swedish decision to import Walloons from the southern parts of modern-day Belgium. The Walloons were very skilled in producing high quality iron. The most famous of these Walloons is Lois De Geer who became an important entrepreneur, shipowner and banker. Sweden became self-supporting not only regarding iron, but also with different types of war material, especially heavy artillery. Swedish artillery was exported all over Europe. 
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